McKienzie-Toppel topple the field at East Beach

Dave McKienzie was full of confidence coming into Saturday’s Santa Barbara Open beach volleyball tournament.

McKienzie last week combined with former San Marcos High star Brook Billings and gave the world’s No. 1-ranked pro beach volleyball team a good battle at the AVP Tour Belmar Beach Open in New Jersey.

Coming out of the qualifying rounds, McKienzie and Billings lost to Todd Rogers and Phil Dalhausser in the main draw. But they gained some respect from the best team in the world.

Boosted by that ego boost, McKienzie came to Santa Barbara and played with former Stanford three-time All-American Curt Toppel. The pair played steady all day and won the championship, beating USC teammates Tony Ciarelli and Jeff Carlson, 21-16, 27-25, in the final.

The victory earned them $500 and an automatic berth in the main draw at the AVP Hermosa Beach Open, July 16-18.